Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to residents occupying the 72nd Barracks, ordering them to vacate the premises. The announcement, made on January 20, 2026, has already been followed by the deployment of soldiers equipped with heavy machinery, machine guns, and barbed wire, signaling the seriousness of the directive.
The 72nd Barracks, located at 72nd Junction in Paynesville, has long been home to civilians and retired AFL officers who sought refuge there during Liberia’s 14-year civil conflict. Many of these residents have remained for more than a decade, establishing families and livelihoods within the compound.
AFL authorities argue that the relocation is lawful and necessary to secure military property and ensure safety. They note that this is not the first time such a notice has been issued. A similar directive was announced under a previous administration, though residents doubted it would ever be enforced.
The renewed push has sparked widespread concern. Several residents say they have lived in the barracks for over 12 years and now face uncertainty about their future. The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has publicly opposed the eviction, warning that displacing thousands of people during an election year could trigger unrest.
Former Montserrado County Representative Dr. Kettehkumehn Murray also criticized the timing of the ultimatum. In an interview, he described the decision as “shocking” given Liberia’s current economic hardships. “Evicting over 4,000 residents in such a short period could cause chaos between soldiers and civilians,” Murray said. He added that the high cost of living already burdens the population, and the government should reconsider its approach.
Murray further argued that Liberia’s most pressing challenges are poverty, unemployment, and declining educational opportunities—not national security threats. “Government could easily find a decent place for its army operations, whether barracks or recreational centers,” he said. “We should be more attentive to improving lives, schools, hospitals, and creating jobs than evicting poor people from an old barracks.”
The AFL, however, maintains that reclaiming the barracks is essential for military readiness and property management. Officials insist that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen institutional control and safeguard strategic assets.
Observers note that the situation underscores Liberia’s ongoing struggle to balance military priorities with civilian welfare. While the AFL seeks to reassert authority over its facilities, the eviction threatens to displace thousands of vulnerable families at a time of economic strain and political sensitivity.
As the 14-day deadline approaches, tensions remain high. Residents are uncertain where they will go, and civil society groups are calling for dialogue to prevent confrontation. The government faces mounting pressure to provide alternative housing or extend the deadline to ease the transition.
The unfolding dispute at the 72nd Barracks highlights a deeper national dilemma: how to reconcile security imperatives with social justice in a fragile democracy. Whether the AFL enforces its ultimatum or the government intervenes to soften the impact, the outcome will test Liberia’s ability to manage conflict without undermining public trust.
